Integrity stems from the Latin word ‘integer’ meaning whole and complete. Integrity implies an inner sense of ‘wholeness’ and consistency of character. When you are in integrity, people see it through your actions, words, decisions, methods, and outcomes. You are coherent and consistent and that makes you, you.

It also means that people can trust you. They know what they are dealing with. You don’t leave parts of yourself behind; you don’t have a ‘work you,’ a ‘family you,’ and a ‘social you.’ What you say, do and mean is consistent. This builds confidence and trust and therefore it is often quoted that “integrity” is the most important leadership quality.

Inspired by a HBS course I am taking, here is Clayton Christensen talking about deciding what you stand for and stand for is 100% of the time! Enjoy today’s Savvy Saturday! – EMC

*****

“You can talk all you want about having a clear purpose and strategy for your life, but ultimately this means nothing if you are not investing the resources you have in a way that is consistent with your strategy. In the end, a strategy is nothing but good intentions

“resisting the temptation whose logic was “In this extenuating circumstance, just this once, it’s OK” has proven to be one of the most important decisions of my life. Why? My life has been one unending stream of extenuating circumstances. Had I crossed the line that one time, I would have done it over and over in the years that followed.

The lesson I learned from this is that it’s easier to hold to your principles 100% of the time than it is to hold to them 98% of the time. If you give in to “just this once,” based on a marginal cost analysis, as some of my former classmates have done, you’ll regret where you end up. You’ve got to define for yourself what you stand for and draw the line in a safe place.”